10 Oral Hygiene Tips
Oral Hygiene is not just about making your teeth look good. Good oral hygiene is your first line of defence against tooth decay and gum disease, which are far more serious than dull-looking teeth. Gum disease can lead to systemic infections and can negatively affect your overall health. It can also lead to other maladies, such as diabetes. No one likes going to the dentist for fillings, and good oral hygiene is one way of insuring that your visits result in a clean bill of health.
Here are 10 tips for good oral hygiene
Brushing
- Regular brushing is vital for good oral health. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and brush gently up and down and back and forth.
- Use the correct toothbrush. Some brushes are rather hard and this could cause bleeding gums.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces and the biting or chewing surface of the teeth.
- Brush at least twice a day. This prevents the build-up of acids which are caused by the breakdown of food in the mouth.
Flossing
- No one likes to floss, as it’s finicky and time consuming; but it is essential for removing bits of food and plaque, from between your teeth.
- You should floss at least once a day.
Visit your dentist regularly
- Good brushing and flossing can only go so far in ensuring good dental health. Regular visits to your Vancouver dentist will ensure that any serious problems that are developing will be picked up in time and dealt with.
- It is imperative to start taking your children to the dentist from an early age, to build up good dental habits.
- It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Avoid unhealthy foods
- Avoid, as much as possible, foods that can negatively affect your oral hygiene.
- Fizzy, sugared cold drinks, coffee, sugared sweets and cakes often contain phosphorus, which can deplete calcium. Your body requires calcium to build strong teeth.
- Processed foods contain a lot of sugar, so try to eat homemade foods from natural ingredients.
What builds strong teeth?
- Calcium is vital for the maintenance of strong teeth, so make sure that you consume foods such as dairy products that are rich in calcium.
- Vitamin D has been found to help fight bacteria. Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin D to improve overall health.
- Choose toothpaste that contains fluoride, as this also helps build strong tooth enamel.
Mouth washes
- Mouth washes cannot replace brushing and flossing, but mouth washes that contain chlorine dioxide help to control the growth of bacteria in your mouth, and prevent bad breath.
Awareness
- Be aware of what’s happening in your mouth.
- The minute you experience tooth or jaw pain, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
The bigger picture
- Good oral hygiene is not just about looking good. Problems with your teeth can really affect the rest of your body and create far greater problems than bad teeth.
Tongue cleaning
- Brush your tongue at least once a day.
- Bacteria build up on the tongue and this can cause bad breath.
Tobacco
- Excessive smoking can cause oral cancers and hasten periodontal disease.
- Often we use candy, tea or coffee to mask the odour of tobacco and this can have a doubly negative affect on your oral hygiene.
- By following these ten tips, you will be ensuring that you maintain your oral health as best you can.